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EXAMINATION 



PHRENOLOGY; 



3In Ctoo Ecctuvcs, 



DELIVERED TO THE STUDENTS OF THE COLUMBIAN COLLEGE, DISTRICT 
OF COLUMBIA, FEBRUARY, 1837. 



• 

BY THOMAS SEW ALL, M.D., 

PROFESSOR OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



LONDON: 

JAMES S. HODSON, 

DEPOT FOR AMERICAN LITERATURE, 

112, FLEET STREET. 

1838. 




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EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. 



Plate I. 

Exhibits the name, form, size, and position of the phre- 
nological organs, as represented on the figured head of Mr. 
Combe. It also shews the form and application of the 
craniomcter. 

Plate II. 

Shews by a horizontal section, the thickness of the skull 
of an adult male, a robust waterman. It also exhibits a 
horizontal section of the brain. Fig. 1. the forepart of the 
skull. Fig. 2, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 3, the fis- 
sure in which the falx of the duramater is situated, which 
divides the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Fig. 4, 
the falx of the duramater turned back. Fig. 5, the cortical 
or pulpy part of the brain. Fig. 6, the medullary or fibrous 
portion of the brain. Fig. 7, the grooves which separate 
the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 8, the corpus callosum, 
or great commissure of the brain. 

Plate III. 

Shews, by a horizontal section, the skull of a delicate 
female, aged about 25. Fig. 1, the forepart of the skull. 
Fig. 2, the thickness of the skull. 

Plate IV. 

Shews, by a vertical section, the skull of an adult 
male, and was furnished me by N. R. Smith, M.D., Profes- 
sor of Surgery in the University of Maryland. Fig. 1, the 



IV 

thickness of the skull Fig, 2, the frontal sinuses. Fig. 3, 
the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 4. the grooves which 
separate the convolutions of the brain. Fig. 5, the cere- 
bellum. Fig. 6, the tentorium, or horizontal membrane, 
which separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum. Fig. 
7, the medulla oblongata. Fig. 8, the spinal marrow. 

Plate V. 

Shews by a horizontal section, the skull of an adult male, 
and is also from the cabinet of Professor Smith. Fig. 1, 
the forepart of the skull. Fig. 2, the thickness of the 
skull. 

Plate VI. 

Shews, by a vertical section, the skull of an adult male, 
from the cabinet of Professor Smith. It also shews the 
brain invested by the duramater. Fig. 1, the thickness of 
the skull. Fig. 2, the brain invested by the duramater. 
Fig. 3, the lateral sinus. Fig. 4, the cerebellum, invested 
by the duramater. Fig. 5, the middle artery of the du- 
ramater. 

Plate VII. ' 

Shews, by a vertical section, the thickness of a skull, the 
cast of which is from the cabinet of Spurzheim, and was 
procured and sent me by J. C. Warren, M.D., Professor 
of Anatomy and Surgery in Harvard University. Fig. 1, 
the thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, grooves in the skull, 
shewing the position of the middle artery of the duramater. 

Plate VIII. 

Shews, by a horizontal section, the skull of an adult 
male, aged 30. Fig. 1, the thickness of the skull. Fig. 2, 
tlu 1 frunt.il sinuses. Fig. 3, the zigomatic process, under 
which the temporal muscle passes to the lower jaw. 



PLATE II. 




PLATE III. 




PLATE IV. 




PLATE V. 




\* 



PLATE VI. 




PLATE VII. 




PLATE VIII. 




AN 

EXAMINATION OF PHRENOLOGY 



LECTURE L 
Gentlemen, 

The object of the lectures which I am invited to 
deliver will be an examination of Phrenology ; a 
science which, though of recent date, has spread 
with great rapidity, and is at this time exciting a 
general and strong interest in the scientific circles 
of Europe and this country. 

The account which we have received of the ori- 
gin and progress of this subject is singular and in- 
teresting. 

About half a century ago, Dr. Gall, an inge- 
nious and eccentric physician of Germany, was led, 
as he says, by observation, to the fact, that the 
various mental manifestations of different indivi- 
duals, were accompanied by a peculiar conforma- 
tion of the cranium. — His attention was at first 
drawn to this subject by observing, while quite a 
youth, that each of his brothers and sisters?, his 
schoolfellows and companions in play, possessed 
some peculiarity of talent or disposition, some 
aptitude or propensity, which distinguished them 
from others. One was modest, another haughty ; 
this one frank, that deceitful ; this peaceable, that 
disputatious and quarrelsome. In their childish 
sports, he found some amused themselves by cut- 

B 



3 AN EXAMINATION 

ting figures in wood, or drawing them on paper, 
in painting, or the cultivation of a garden; while 
others abandoned themselves to the noisy games, 
or traversed the woods in pursuit of flowers, 
birds' nests, and butterflies. One was the car- 
penter of the house, and was always seen with 
tools in his hand; and the greatest pleasure of 
another, on the contrary, was to assist at the 
mass, and to ring the church bells. 

They were equally diversified in their capacities 
for study. Some were distinguished for the 
beauty of their penmanship, some for their suc- 
cess in arithmetic, others for the talent of acquir- 
ing a knowledge of natural history, or of lan- 
guages. The composition of one was remarkable 
for elegance, while the style of another was stiff 
and dry; a third connected his reasoning in the 
closest manner, and clothed his arguments in the 
most forcible language. 

In the course of his observations, he found that 
some of his school fellows were distinguished for 
accuracy and power of memory, and that those 
thus gifted had prominent eyes. 

He soon came to the conclusion that if memory 
for words was connected with an external sign, 
the same might be the case with other intellectual 
powers ; and from this moment, he says, every in- 
dividual, distinguished for any peculiarity, be- 
came the object of his attention and study. Great 
musicians, great poets, great painters, great ma- 
thematicians, were carefully examined by him, 
and their characters investigated. 

And while he noticed this coincidence between 
the external form of the head and the character of 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 3 

the mind, he tells us that he referred the whole 
influence, whatever it was, to the brain, and not 
to the bony casement which surrounds it. 

Thus furnished with so many proofs of the co- 
incidence between the development of different 
parts of the brain, and the display of the moral 
and intellectual character of man, he was com- 
pelled to renounce the obscure and incomprehen- 
sible doctrines of the schools, and to apply him- 
self to the study of the primitive faculties. To 
this end he visited hospitals and insane asylums, 
prisons, and the seats of justice ; was introduced 
to the courts of princes, to schools and colleges, 
and wherever he heard of an individual, distin- 
guished in any way for remarkable endowments, 
or for deficiency, he observed and studied the de- 
velopments of his head. 

In 1796, Gall, for the first time, gave a course of 
lectures upon phrenology at Vienna, the place of 
his residence. These he continued annually for 
five years; when the Austrian Government issued 
an order in January, 1802, that they should cease; 
his doctrines being considered as leading to mate- 
rialism, and to be dangerous to the cause of mo- 
rality and religion. The subject, however, conti- 
nued to be studied with greater zeal than before ; 
the prohibition having strongly stimulated public- 
curiosity, and Gall, finding his success in propa- 
gating his new theory, and in raising up friends 
to its support, greater than was anticipated, in 
1804 he associated with him his favourite pupil, 
Spurzheim. From this time they were constantly 
together, and their labours were in common. 

In March, 1805, Gall and Spurzheim left Vienna 
b2 



4 AN EXAMINATION 

in company, and travelled through Germany, Prus- 
sia, and Switzerland, to France; visiting most of 
the considerable towns and villages, and every 
where teaching their doctrines, and studying the 
organization of man. But they stopped only a 
short time in any one place; too short a time, says 
Gall, to form practical pupils. "The principles 
were explained, the developments shown, and we 
were off." Dr. Gall even gave the advice not to 
repeat the experiments, since it was difficult to 
do so. 

It was at Berlin, and the fortress of Spandau, 
where they first put their doctrine to the test of 
experiment, by its application to congregated 
multitudes. Here, in the presence of the chiefs 
of the establishment and others, they were con- 
ducted to the prison at Berlin, where upwards of 
two hundred culprits, of whom they had never 
heard till that moment, to whose crimes and dis- 
positions they were total strangers, were sub- 
mitted to their inspection. Dr. Gall, it is said, 
not only discovered with surprising readiness, 
their natural propensities, but also indicated the 
offence for which each was imprisoned. A few 
days after, they made a visit to Spandau, where 
four hundred and seventy heads were submitted to 
inspection, and with a similar result. 

In November, 1807, Gall, assisted by his zeal- 
ous associate, delivered his first course of lectures 
in Paris; supported by a numerous collection of 
skulls, heads, and casts ; and by a multiplicity of 
physiological and pathological facts. Great was 
the ardour excited among the Parisians by their 
presence; teaching, as they did, a new doctrine, 



OP PHRENOLOGY. 5 

and by which it was supposed they could tell 
men's fortunes by their heads. 

In 1808, Gall and Spurzheim presented a joint 
memoir on the Anatomy and Physiology of the 
Brain, to the French Institute, which at that time 
was in its full glory, and one of the first scientific 
societies in Europe. The chief of the anatomical 
department was M.Cuvier, and the first member 
of this learned body to whom Drs. Gall and 
Spurzheim addressed themselves. He received 
the German Doctors with politeness, attended 
their lectures, and witnessed their dissections of 
the brain. 

A committee was appointed by the institute to 
report upon the memoir, consisting of Tenon, 
Portal, Sabbatier, Pinel, and Cuvier ; all men of 
known candour and ability. M. Cuvier drew up 
an elaborate report, containing within a short 
compass the whole substance of the memoir ; but 
while it was approved by the institute, it was not 
such as to satisfy Gall and Spurzheim, or to in- 
spire confidence in their views of the anatomy 
and physiology of the brain. Some merit was 
awarded to them for their method of dissecting 
the brain, and for some other improvements they 
had made; but many of the discoveries, which 
they claimed as original, were traced to anatomists 
who had preceded them, and their main positions 
were regarded as extremely hypothetical. Such 
was the reception which phrenology met with 
from the French institute. 

In 1809, Gall and Spurzheim commenced pub- 
lishing the great work, entitled, the Anatomy and 
Physiology of the nervous system in general, 
b3 



f) AN EXAMINATION OF 

and of t lie brain in particular, with observations 
upon the possibility of ascertaining several in- 
tellectual and moral dispositions of man and 
animals, by the configuration of their heads, four 
volumes folio, with an atlas of one hundred plates, 
the completion of which occupied ten years. 

In 1813 they separated, and from this time 
each pursued his phrenological investigations by 
himself. Dr. Gall made Paris his home, and ac- 
quired great notoriety, considerable distinction as 
a writer and philosopher, and realised a handsome 
fortune. He died in 1828, of a paralytic shock, 
in the seventy-second year of his age. He was 
followed to the place of interment by an immense 
concourse of friends aud admirers, five of whom 
pronounced discourses at his grave. His death 
gave rise to a succession of eulogiums and of at- 
tacks in the French newspapers. 

Spurzheim, while he considered France his re- 
sidence, travelled extensively through Germany, 
Switzerland, Prussia, England, Scotland, and Ire- 
land, making observations, teaching phrenology, 
and collecting facts. 

He returned to Paris to reside in 1817, where 
he regularly gave two courses of lectures upon 
phrenology annually, but complained that during 
his abscence the subject had in a great measure 
been laid aside and forgotten. In 1824 he mar- 
ried a lady of fine talents and accomplishments, 
who entered deeply into the spirit of his enter- 
prise. This event seems to have given a fresh 
impulse to his investigations, and to have inspired 
him with increased zeal in extending the influence 
of phrenology. 



OF PHRKNOLOGY. 7 

In 1832, Spurzheim visited the United States. 
His objects were to study the genius and cha- 
racter of our nation, and to establish and propa- 
gate the doctrines of phrenology. He landed in 
Xew York on the fourth day of August, and tra- 
velled almost immediately to Boston. Here he 
was received with all the respect and kindness for 
which the inhabitants of that city are so distin- 
guished in their treatment of strangers. He was 
conducted to the various public and private insti- 
tutions of the city ; was introduced to the literary 
and scientific personages of distinction ; and every 
thing was done to render his stay agreeable, and 
to promote the objects of his visit. He was in- 
vited to deliver lectures, to examine heads, and to 
explain his doctrines. But he had scarcely en- 
tered upon his career, when he was struck down 
by a fever, of which he died on the tenth of No- 
vember, in the fifty- sixth year of his age. His 
remains were interred at Mount Auburn, with 
every mark of respeet, where a neat and beautiful 
monument has been erected to his memory, by the 
generous and high-minded citizens of Boston. 

Long before the arrival of Spurzheim in this 
country, his worky, as well as those of Gall, had 
been extensively circulated and read; and it is 
doubtful whether any country has given the sub- 
ject of phrenology a more respectful consideration 
than the United States. Works have been writ- 
ten upon the subject, societies have been formed, 
lectures delivered, and zealous and able advocates 
have been raised up to spread and defend its doc- 
trines. At this time there is scarcely a town or a 



8 AN EXAMINATION 

village in which its general principles are not more 
or less understood. 

The works of Gall and Spurzheim are numerous, 
and evince great industry and perseverance, deep 
research and reflection, and, aside from phreno- 
logy, contain a great deal of general information. 
Most of their books have been republished in the 
United States. 

Such is a brief sketch of the history of phre- 
nology, as furnished by Dr. Gall and his friends. 
Whether he was the originator of the science, or 
derived his first intimations upon the subject from 
some previous writers, is a question which I shall 
not discuss. Certain it is., that ideas, in many re- 
spects similar to those of Gall, were entertained 
and promulgated long before his time. 

Aristotle, the Grecian philosopher, who wrote 
more than three centuries before the Christian 
era, considered the brain as a multiplex organ, 
and assigned to each part its appropriate func- 
tions. 

In the forepart of the cerebral structure he 
places common sense ; the middle portion he as- 
signs to imagination, judgment, and reflection ; 
the back part he makes the great storehouse, or 
seat of the memory. 

This was the account of the divisions of the 
brain given by Aristotle, and however crude it 
may appear in its details, it was followed by many 
writers in the middle ages, with but little varia- 
tion. But while he regarded the brain as multi- 
plex, he considered a small head as the standard 
of perfection, and contends that it is indicative of 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 9 

a superior intellect. In this respect he is at va- 
riance with Dr. Gall, and other phrenologists of 
the present day. 

From various passages found in the works of 
Galen, it is evident that he was acquainted with 
the views of Aristotle upon this subject, and that 
lie admitted the same doctrines, with some modi- 
fications. 

As late as 1296, Bernard Gordon, an eminent 
French physician and teacher at Montpelier, closely 
follows Aristotle in his divisions of the brain, and 
appropriated to each part particular faculties. 

\n the thirteenth century, Albert, the Great 
Archbishop of Ratisbon, one of those who had 
laboured long for the discovery of the philoso- 
pher's stone, actually formed a head, mapped out 
into regions in conformity with the divisions of 
the brain by Aristotle and others. 

In 1491, Peter Montagnana published an en- 
graving of the head, in which he represents the 
seat of the sensus communis, a ccllula imagina- 
tiva, a ccllula cstimatira seu cogitativa, a ccllula 
memorativa, and a ccllula rational is. 

Michael Servetus, who died at Geneva, 1553, 
places the different mental faculties in different 
parts of the brain. He supposed that the two 
anterior cerebral cavities were for the images of 
external objects ; the third ventricle the seat of 
thought ; the aqueduct of Sylvius the seat of the 
soul ; and the fourth ventricle the seat of the 
memory. 

In 1562, Ludivico Dolci, a learned Venetian, 
published a work upon preserving and strength- 
ening the memory ; and in illustration of his prin- 



10 AN EXAMINATION 

ciples, he mapped out a head into regions, more 
elaborately than any one which had previously 
been formed. 

In a work of Jo. Baptistae Portae, an eminent 
Neapolitan philosopher and physician, published 
at Leyden, 1586, entitled, De Humana Physiog- 
nomia, there is contained so many of the princi- 
ples and illustrations of the phrenology of the 
present day, that it may well be questioned 
whether hints have not been drawn from this 
source by later writers. He proposes to discover 
the intellectual and moral character of man, by 
his physical organization, colour, &c, and while 
he embraces the whole body, he lays particular 
stress upon the configuration of the head. He 
finds analogies between the human species and 
several races of the brutes ; but discovers the 
general characteristics of man in the lion, and of 
woman in the leopard ; and concludes by arrang- 
ing under appropriate heads, the various signs by 
which the intellectual and moral character and 
disposition of every individual may be determined. 

A folio edition of this work is found in the 
library of Havard College, and contains a large 
number of plates of the heads of persons placed 
by the side of those of certain animals, illustrative 
of his doctrines ; a few copies of these I am ena- 
bled to exhibit to the class, through the kindness 
of Professor Green leaf. 

As lute as the middle of the seventeenth cen- 
tury, the celebrated Dr. Thomas Willis, a graduate 
and for some time a physician at Oxford, and af- 
terwards physician to King Charles II., published 
a work, in which he asserts that the corpora striata 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 11 

are the seat of perception ; the medullary part of 
the brain that of memory and imagination ; the 
corpus callosum that of reflection ; and the cere- 
bellum, he considers as furnishing the principle 
of voluntary motion. 

But by far the nearest approach to modern phre- 
nology was made by that extraordinary man, Baron 
Swedenborg, the author of the system of doctrines 
of the New-Jerusalem Church. He not only con- 
sidered the brain as composed of a plurality of 
organs, but maintained the principle that the exer- 
cise of the different faculties of the mind changes 
the configuration of the head, by promoting the 
development of their respective organs. The fol- 
lowing extract will give an idea of his views upon 
this subject, and will shew the authenticity of the 
source from which they are taken. 

Capt. F. Walden published at Copenhagen, in 
1806, a biography of the celebrated Swedenborg, 
along with some extracts from his writings. It 
is very remarkable, as is shewn by this work, that 
the distinguished Swede, about fifty years previous 
to Dr. Gall's theory, should have entertained a 
very similar opinion. The following are the 
words of Swedenborg : " Every man that is born 
has a disposition to all sorts of evil, which must 
be checked by education, and, as far as possible, 
rooted out. This is first to be attempted by cor- 
rection and punishment ; then by good society 
and example, which lead to imitation ; and at last 
good is secured upon a true and reasonable reli- 
gious root. When these conditions are all ob- 
served, it is indicated by the beautiful skull of 
the individual. On the contrary, should the edu- 



12 AN EXAMINATION 

cation be neglected, or no sudden misfortune, nor 
opposition, hinder the first outbreakings of evil 
or disorder, the evil afterwards becomes habit, 
and produces peculiar wishes, both in design and 
practice, which cause the formation of a badly 
shaped skull. The cause of the difference of 
skulls, in such cases, is this : The peculiar dis- 
tinctions of man, will and understanding, have 
their seats in the brain, which is excited by the 
fleeting desires of the will, and the ideas of the 
intellect. Near the various spots where these irri- 
tations produce their effects, this or that part of 
the brain is called into a greater or less degree of 
activity, and forms along with itself correspond- 
ing parts of the skull."* 

But I will not detain you with further details 
upon the history of the science. Those of you 
who may wish to pursue the investigation, will 
find the subject amply discussed by that erudite 
and able author, Professor Dunglison, in his ad- 
mirable work on Human Physiology, in his account 
of the mental faculties. 

I will only remark, that the fact, that the early 
writers knew something of Phrenology, affords but 
slender proof that Dr. Gall borrowed his notions 

* In a periodical, entitled, "The Intellectual Repository and 
New Jerusalem Magazine" — the authentic organ of the body which 
adopts the theological views of Swedenbor?, the existence of this 
passage in any of the works of Swedenborg is unequivocally de- 
nied in a paper signed S. Nom.t, who is one of the ministers of 
that church . From his extensive acquaintance \n ith the works 
of the author in question, Mr. N. is able most distinctly to state 
thtt "n» such passage is to be found in any part of Swedenbt 
works"' ,p in. No. bl, for May, 1838.) The fabrication of the 
passage i> attributed to (apt. Walden, in vrhote vtorbh no 
doobt, l'rofe-sor Sewall found it. 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 13 

from them ; since it is extremely common for men 
of genius to make the same discoveries, strike out 
the same trains of thought, and pursue the same 
course of investigation without concert, or the 
slightest knowledge of each other's pursuits. 

Whatever may be the truth with regard to the 
origin of Phrenology, it is through the writings of 
Dr. Gall, supported by the untiring labours and 
invincible zeal of his pupils and disciples, that the 
science has been widely spread through the civilized 
world. And it is by these labours, and by this 
ceaseless spirit of exertion, that the subject has 
been brought to our shores, and has afforded the 
occasion to investigate it, and ascertain whether 
it furnishes us with that infallible guide in the 
study of human character, which has been pre- 
tended. 

It seems proper that we should investigate it, 
because it has enlisted so many men of talents in 
its support, and become a subject of so much in- 
terest as to excite discussion in almost every 
circle, and on every occasion ; and, because, too, 
it is represented to be a science, the knowledge of 
which is all important to the well-being of society. 
A science which its authors and disciples gravely 
tell us, looks down with compassion on the 
shallow distinctions, and puerile speculations of 
Locke, Hume, Berkley, Hartley, Reed, and 
Stewart. These men tell us that up to their own 
time, the philosophy of man was a perfect waste, 
and that the discoveries of Newton himself were 
comparatively insignificant ; while that of Phre- 
nology is the greatest and most important that 
was ever communicated to man. 
c 



14 AN EXAMINATION 

The discoveries, says Mr. Combe, of the revo- 
lution of the globe, and the circulation of the 
blood, were splendid displays of genius in their 
authors, and interesting and beneficial to man- 
kind ; but their results compared, with the conse- 
quences which must inevitably follow from Dr. 
Gall's discovery of the functions of the brain, sink 
into relative insignificance. 

It may be well, therefore, that we should look 
into a science, which holds up these lofty preten- 
sions, and ascertain how far it is entitled to con- 
fidence. 

My object on the present occasion, will be 
briefly to present to your view some of the lead- 
ing principles of Phrenology, and then to ascer- 
tain how far these are sustained by the anatom- 
ical structure of the parts more immediately con- 
cerned. 

1. Phrenology, like most systems of mental 
Philosophy, makes the brain the material organ of 
the mind. 

2. It assumes the position, that just in pro- 
portion to the volume of the organ, other things 
being equal, will be the power of the mental mani- 
festations. 

3. That the exercise of .the mind promotes the 
developement of the brain. 

4. That the character of the mind is to be de- 
termined by the configuration of the brain. 

5. That the brain is a multiplex organ, and 
composed of a definite number of compartments, 
or sub- organs, each of which is the appropriate 
scat of a propensity, sentiment, or intellectual 
faculty. 



OF PHKENOLOGY. 15 

6. That the mind consists of a definite number 
of original powers, which are divided into propen- 
sities, sentiments, and intellectual faculties. 

7- That to the existence of each original pro- 
pensity, sentiment, or intellectual faculty, a spe- 
cific cerebral organ is necessary, and that every 
specific mental operation can be performed, only 
by means of an appropriate organ. 

8. That the brain is composed of at least thirty- 
four phrenological organs, or pairs of organs, all 
commencing at the medulla oblongata, or top of 
the spinal marrow, and radiating to the surface of 
the brain. That they commence at a point, and 
like so many inverted cones, become more and 
more voluminous, until that portion, which is 
bounded by the walls of the cranium presents a 
surface corresponding in form, size, and situation, 
with the figured skulls, delineated in plate I., figs. 
1., 11., and in. 

9. That just in proportion to the development, or 
size of these organs or cones, will be the strength of 
the particular faculty of which it is the residence. 
The size of the organs to be estimated by their 
length and breadth, and consequently that each 
prominence of the skull indicates the degree of de- 
velopment of that organ of the brain, which is lo- 
cated immediately under it, and of course the 
power of intellectual faculty, sentiment, or pas- 
sion, of which it is the residence. 

10. That the exercise of any particular faculty 
of the mind, promotes the development of the ap- 
propriate organ of such faculty. 

It is upon the principles here laid down, that 
the whole system of Phrenology is based. 
c 2 



16 AN EXAMINATION 

" By a knowledge of Phrenology and Craniol- 
ogy?" sa y s a distinguished writer upon this sub- 
ject, " the experienced Phrenologist is enabled to 
judge of the natural amount, and general cha- 
racter of the intellects of individuals, by an in- 
spection of their heads/' 

In accordance with these principles, the cra- 
nium has been mapped out into thirty-four dis- 
tinct territories, corresponding, as supposed, in 
position, form, and size, with the bases of the dif- 
ferent organs of the brain. 

When any one, or more, of these is so promi- 
nent as to rise above the neighbouring parts of the 
skull, the organ which is immediately under it, is 
said to be full, and the faculty, of which it is the 
seat, proportionably strong and vigorous. 

These thirty-four organs have been grouped, so 
as to constitute three distinct families, as repre- 
sented in plate I., figs, i., n., and m.; one division 
for the propensities or passions, one for the moral 
sentiments, and a third for theintellectual faculties. 
The first group has been appropriated to the back 
and inferior region of the brain; the second, to 
the superior portion; and the third, to the ante- 
rior portion of this structure. 

Having thus presented to you a few of the lead- 
ing principles of Phrenology, I shall, without de- 
taining you longer, point out the position of the 
individual organs, and briefly sketch the leading 
characteristics of each of their respective func- 
tions, as described by phrenologists. 

I. Propensities. 
1. slmativcness. — This organ is situated in the 



OF PHRENOLCK.V. 17 

cerebellum, or the lower part of the occiput. 
When full, it gives a backward protusion of the 
occipitis, and a thickness to the upper part of the 
neck. Its function is sexual love. Numerous in- 
stances are given by Phrenologists, of the develop- 
ment of the organ, corresponding with the inten- 
sity of the function. 

2. Philoprogenitivcness. — Situated at the occi- 
put, immediately above Amativeness, and corres- 
ponds with the occipital protuberance. Its func- 
tion is the love of offspring. It is more fully de- 
veloped in women, than in men, and its develop- 
ment corresponds with the strength of the pro- 
pensity. Of twenty-nine females who had been 
guilty of infanticide, it is said, that the develop- 
ment was defective in twenty-seven. When fully 
developed, it supports the mother in her toils, 
and even renders delightful the cares and troubles 
of rearing a helpless offspring. It is large in the 
Hindoo, the Negro, and Charib skulls. 

3. CoJicetitrativeness. — Situated immediately 
above Philoprogenitiveness, and below Self-es- 
teem. Its function is to maintain two or more 
powers in simultaneous or combined activity, 
that they may be directed towards one object. 
Where it is fully developed, persons possess a 
command over their feelings and intellectual 
powers, so as to be able to devote them in their 
whole vigour, to the pursuit which forms the ob- 
ject of their study, for the time ; and hence they 
produce the greatest possible results. It is small 
in the American Indian, and large in the Negro 
and European. 

4. Adhesiveness. — Situated on each side of 

c 3 



18 AN EXAMINATION 

Concentrativeness. The faculty produces the in- 
stinctive tendency to attach ourselves to surround- 
ing objects, animate and inanimate, and to embrace 
and cling to the object of our affection. It dis- 
poses to friendship, and society in general. It 
often shows itself in attachment to horses, dogs, 
and other animals. When largely developed, it 
produces excessive grief at the loss of friends, and 
in leaving one's country, the disease called Nos- 
talgia, so common to the Swiss. When feeble, 
it may render a man an Anchorite or Hermit. 

5. Combativeness. — Situated on each side of the 
head, at the inferior mastoid angle of the parietal 
bone. The organ, when full, produces active 
courage; and if very full, a propensity to attack. 
A considerable endowment is indipensable to a 
great and magnanimous character. It gives that 
boldness to the mind, which enables it to look 
undaunted on opposition, to meet, and if possible 
to overcome it. When largely developed, it in- 
spires with the love of contention, leads to a quar- 
relsome disposition, and imparts pleasure in dis- 
putation and fighting. When deficient, the indi- 
vidual cannot resist attacks, nor make his way, 
where he must invade the prejudices, or encounter 
the hostility of others. The organ is generally 
large in persons who have murdered from the 
impulse of the moment. It is large in Robert 
Bruce, David Haggart, Mary Machines. It is 
large also in the Charibs, and small in most of the 
Hindoos. 

(). Dcstructivoicss. — Situated immediately 
above, and extends a little backward and for- 
ward, from the external opening of the ear, and 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 



19 



corresponds to the squamus plate of the temporal 
bone. The faculty produces the impulse to de- 
stroy in general. Combativeness gives the desire 
to meet and overcome obstacles, and having van- 
quished them, the mind under this inspiration 
pursues them no farther. Destructiveness prompts 
to extermination. Anger and rage are the manifes- 
tations of this passion, and cruelty is the result of 
its excessive energy, uncontrolled by benevolence 
and justice. In cool deliberate murderers, the 
organ is conspicuous, and in those who delight in 
cruelty. It is large in hunters, and keen sports- 
men, without exception. It is large in the bust 
of Dean, Pallet, Thurtell, Heaman, and in the 
skulls of Bruce, Gordon, Husscy, Nisbet, Belling- 
ham, Buchanan, Rotherham, Albert, in the skull 
of Tardy, the pirate, and it is said to be very large 
in the head of a living Scotch divine of great cele- 
brity, now residing in Edinburgh. 

7. Const ruvtivcness. — Situated immediately 
over, and adjoining Destructiveness. When very 
fully developed it produces unusual breadth of the 
head, from temple to temple. The faculty in- 
spires with the tendency to construct in general, 
but the particular direction in which it is exerted, 
depends on the other predominant faculties of the 
individual. If combined with large Combative- 
ness and Destructiveness, it may be employed in 
fabricating implements of war. If joined with 
large Veneration, it may tend towards erecting 
places of religious worship. If joined with large 
Form, Imitation, and Secretiveness, it may inspire 
with a love of portrait painting. The organ is 
indispensable to all who follow operative mecha- 



20 AN EXAMINATION 

nical professions. It is large in Raphael, Brunei, 
Herschel, and Perkins. It is small in the New- 
Hollanders. It is large in all animals distin- 
guished for their ingenuity in building, as the 
beaver, field-mouse, aud the like. 

8. Acquisitiveness. — Situated immediately be- 
hind Constructiveness. Its function is the love 
of acquisition generally, without reference to the 
use to which the objects when obtained, may be 
applied. It takes its direction from the other fa- 
culties, and hence may lead to the collecting of 
coins, minerals, and other objects of curiosity, or 
of science, as well as money. If men had always 
provided only what they could individually enjoy, 
they would never have emerged from a savage 
condition. It is the foundation of wealthy of co- 
vetousness, and of luxury, in civilized life. When 
largely developed, and not regulated by their 
higher faculties, it often leads to dishonesty, and 
even theft. A chaplain in the Prussian army, in 
whom it was large, in other respects a worthy and 
pious man, was remarkable for stealing pocket- 
handkerchiefs, pen-knives, books, and ladies' 
stockings, and indeed every thing portable, in the 
nature of property. It is large in Heaman, and 
small in Robert Bruce. 

9. Secret iveness. — Situated immediately above 
Dcstructiveness. Its function is the love of se- 
crcsy, and the ability to conceal. It may be ap- 
plied in a great variety of ways, according to the 
dictate of the other faculties. When properly de- 
veloped, it exercises a salutary restraint on the 
other faculties, and is indispensable to the forma- 
tion of a prudent, cautious character. When 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 21 

largely developed, and not properly balanced by 
the higher faculties, it leads to management, 
lying, duplicity, and deceit. It has been found 
prominent in a large number of habitual thieves. 
When properly controlled, it augments the effici- 
ency of character. In Courts and Cabinets, it is 
a powerful engine. It is the diplomatist's sword 
and buckler. The fox, and several animals of the 
cat kind, are remarkable for it. In some of the 
human race, it is almost their only power. In 
writing, it leads to irony. It is full in great 
actors. It gives a side-long glance, and a watch- 
ful look to the eye, and where large, inspires in 
the individual, the desire to discover the designs 
of others, while he conceals his own. Is large in 
Raphael and Bruce, in the American Indians, and 
in the Hindoos. 

II. Sentiments. 

10. Self-esteem. — Situated at the vertex under 
the sagittal suture. Its function is Sclf-Esteem, 
or self-love in general. It imparts to the mind 
that degree of confidence in its own powers, which 
is essential to their successful application. When 
combined with the superior sentiments, and intel- 
lectual faculties, it contributes to true dignity and 
greatness of mind. A deficiency of it produces a 
want of personal confidence, and a proper esti- 
mate of what is due to one's self. When too strong, 
it produces arrogance, conceit, pride, egotism and 
envy. The English have this organ fuller than 
the French. The turkey-cock, the peacock, and 
the horse have it strongly marked. When the 
organ is morbidly excited, as in some cases of mo- 



22 AN EXAMINATION 

nomania, the individual is prone to imagine 
himself a king, an emperor, a transcendent genius, 
and even the Supreme Being himself. It is large 
in Haggart, in Dempsey, and in the Hindoos, but 
small in the American Indians. 

11. Love of Approbation. — Situated on each 
side of Self-Esteem. Its function is love of ap- 
probation or applause. If directed to objects of 
importance, it becomes a lofty and noble ambi- 
tion, and leads to corresponding efforts and 
achievements ; but when its objects are low and 
trivial, it degenerates into vanity, and leads to 
frivolity. It is more prominent in women, than 
in men. It is always large in bashful persons. 
It is very large in the dog, the horse, &c. Large 
in Bruce, and in the American Indian. 

1 2. Cautiousness. — Situated in front of No. 1 1 . 
Its function is the sentiment of circumspection, or 
impulse to take care. Regulated and sustained by 
the other faculties, this sentiment becomes pru- 
dence, but if not thus modified, it degenerates 
into irresolution, instability, doubt, demur. It is 
particularly large in children. The organ is large 
in Bruce, Raphael, and in the Hindoo. Small in 
Bellinghanij and the Negro. 

13. Benevolence. — Situated at the central and 
upper part of the frontal bone, in the direction of 
the sagittal suture. Its function is the sentiment 
of kindness, connected with the desire of the hap- 
piness of others, and disposes to compassion, and 
to active benevolence. It communicates mildness 
and cheerfulness to the temper, and prompts to 
charity, in its various relations. Dogs, horses, 
and monkeys, which have the organ full, are mild 



OP PHRENOLOGY. 23 

and pacific. It is depressed in all the ferocious 
tribes of animals, and also in nations remarkably 
for cruelty, as the Charibs. 

The five following organs are proper to man, 
and constitute the line of demarcation between him 
and the inferior animals. 

14. Veneration. — Situated immediately behind 
and adjoining benevolence. Its function produces 
the sentiment of respect and reverence of superior 
beings, either human or divine. It enters largely 
into the constitution of a devoted Antiquary. It 
is also the chief element in filial piety. When the 
organ is large, and Self-esteem small, humility is 
the result. Its existence shows that religion has 
a foundation in nature. The full development of 
the organ tends to produce baldness ; and it is 
asserted, that of any given number of men of equal 
age, in a place of public worship, those who are 
bald are the most devout. They kneel lower, and 
respond louder than others. 

15. Hope, — Situated on each side of veneration. 
Its function produces the tendency to believe in 
the possibility of what the other faculties desire. 
It inspires with gay, fascinating, and delightful 
emotions, painting futurity fair and smiling. It 
gilds and adorns every prospect with shades of 
enchanting e.Ncellence, while cautiousness hangs 
clouds and mists over distant objects. In religion 
this faculty favours the exercise of faith, and dis- 
poses to a belief of a life to come. In short, it is 
the castle-builders' home, his heaven, his consola- 
tion in disappointment, his panacea for every evil. 
Itisthecynosureto which hissoulperpetually points. 

16. Ideality. — Situated above 7 and 8. Its 



24 AN EXAMINATION* 

function is to give exquisiteness of feeling. It is 
the fountain of enthusiasm, not only of the poet, 
but of the philosopher, the orator, the painter, the 
sculptor, the philanthropist, and of the high minded 
warrior. It is the organ of poetry, and confers a 
relish for poetry on those who do not write. It 
gives refinement and taste. It communicates to 
-eloquence its splendour and soul, and to conversa- 
tion its highest charms and brilliancy. It gives a 
fondness for vivid description, and often a ten- 
dency to exaggeration. The organ is large in 
Raphael, Voltaire, Wordsworth, Burke, and Hay- 
don, and is small in Hume, Bellingham, and in 
the New Hollanders^* 

17. Consciousness. — Situated behind No. 15. 
Its function is to give the sentiment of right and 
wrong, of unspotted justice, and pure morality. 
It commands the other faculties to the perform- 
ance of their duty. Its strength is not always in 
proportion to that of the other faculties. In men 
of feeble intellect, it is sometimes very powerful ; 
such men do their duty for conscience sake, and 
are delighted with the observance of right, and 
disgusted with the doing of wrong. When the 
organ is small, the individual is prone to do an 
unprincipled action, if tempted by interest or in- 
clination. He experiences a difficulty in per- 
ceiving the quality of justice, and in feeling its 
obligations. The organ is large in Hette, and 
small in Bruce, Bellingham, and Gibson, and in 
most of the savage tribes. 

18. Firmness. — Situated at the upper and pos- 
terior part of the head, between Nos. 10 and 14. 
Its function is to give firmness, constancy, and 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 



25 



perseverance. When powerfully developed, and 
not properly regulated by the other faculties, it 
produces obstinacy, stubborness, and infatuation. 
When weak, the individual is prone to yield to the 
impulse of his feelings. If benevolence assumes 
the sway, he is all kindness; if combativeness and 
destructiveness are forcibly excited, he falls head- 
long into passion, outrage, and violence. He 
finds great difficulty in pursuing any established 
line of action, and is prone to change. The organ 
is large in Bruce, and in the American Indian, 
and small in Gibson. 

III. Intellectual Faculties. 

19. Individuality. — Situated in the middle of 
the lower part of the forehead. Its function is to 
give the faculty of practical observation, and the 
capacity to acquire knowledge in detached par- 
cels, but not to put it well together. The posses- 
sor is full of matter for conversation and anec- 
dote, but is a mere detailer of facts, which he 
seldom attempts to classify. He is a man of ex- 
tensive information, rather than a profound philo- 
sopher. When the organ is full, and is aided by 
Comparison, it leads to personification, and to me- 
taphorical writing, such as distinguished Bunyan. 
The organ was large in Roscoe and Swift, and 
moderate in Voltaire and Haydon. 

20. Form. — Situated immediately under the 
root of the nose. Its full development gives 
breadth between the eyes. Its function is to give 
the faculty of distinguishing form and figure. It 
was large in King George III., and is also large 
in the Chinese. 

D 



26 AN EXAMINATION 

21. Space. — Situated above and on each side 
of the root of the nose. Its function is the faculty 
to judge of size and space without reference to 
form. It imparts the power of perceiving and 
judging of perspective. It was large in Williams 
and Douglas, and small in Ferguson. 

22. Weight, or resistance. — Situated conti- 
guous to that of form. It is largely developed in 
those who excel in archery and quoits, and in 
those who judge accurately of momentum and 
resistance in mechanics. It was large in Mac- 
lachlan. 

23. Colour. — Situated near the centre of each 
eye-brow, so that the full development of it gives 
to the brow a beautiful arch, or an angular direc- 
tion upwards and laterally. Its function is to 
distinguish, enjoy, and mix colours. It is found 
in the portraits of Rubens, Rembrandt, Lorraine, 
&c. It is full in the Chinese. 

24. Locality. — Situated immediately above and 
adjoining No. 21. Its function is a faculty to 
perceive and judge of space and distance, and to 
remember and enjoy localities. It produces a 
fondness for travelling, and constitutes a chief 
clement in the talent for topography, geography, 
astronomy, and landscape painting. It assists 
the traveller in finding his way to places he has 
visited, and gives to him an accurate and vivid 
recollection of them. This organ is very pro- 
minent in the casts of Columbus, Sir Isaac Newton, 
Galileo, and in Volney and Sir Walter Scott. Is 
largely developed in the dog, and in other of the 
lower animals. 

25. Order. — Situated adjoining 23. Its func- 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 27 

tion is the perception and love of order, without 
regard to classical arrangement. Those who have 
the organ large, cannot bear to see any thing out 
of its place. They are neat and precise in the 
arrangement of their wardrobe, library, household 
furniture, &c. It is full in Humboldt. 

26. Duration. — Situated immediately above, 
and adjoining No. 23. Its function is a lively and 
accurate perception of abstract duration, and the 
lapse of time between one event and another. 

27. Number, — Situated immediately over the 
external angle of the eye. Its function is the 
power of calculation. It is full in the bust of 
Newton, and is large in the portraits of La Place 
and Humboldt. 

28. Tune. — Situated immediately above No. 
27. Its function is the love and enjoyment of 
music. The organ, when strongly developed, 

breadth to the face; hence high powers of 
music are rarely connected with a narrow face. 
The masks of Handel, Haydn, Gluck, and Mozart, 
arc distinguished by the full development of this 
organ. The heads of certain singing birds are 
also strongly marked. 

29. Language. — Situated immediately under 
the eyes, rendering those organs prominent when 
fully developed. Great linguists have generally 
prominent, and never sunken eyes. Its function 
gives a facility of acquiring and using language. 
Persons who have a great endowment of it, abound 
in words. Large in Humboldt and Voltaire. 

30. Comparison. — Situated immediately above 
19. Its function is the power and love of Com- 
parison, and it gives the facility of perceiving re- 

d2 



28 AN EXAMINATION 

semblances, similitudes, and analogies. The indi- 
vidual, who has it large, reasons by comparing 
one thing with another. It prompts to the in- 
vention and use of figurative language. It gives 
great power of illustration. It is the origin of 
proverbs. Large in Pitt, Edwards,, Burke, Cur- 
ran, Hume, and in the Hindoos ; small in the 
Charibs. 

31. Causality, — Situated on each side of 30. 
Its function is a talent for logical reasoning, and in- 
ductive philosophy. It prompts to the investigation 
of causes and effects, and enables the individual to 
judge of the direct evidence of facts. A juryman, 
with large Individuality, and small Causality, will 
not be disposed to convict upon circumstantial 
evidence. While he, in whom Causality is large, 
will often feel that kind of proof to be irresistible. 
It induces to enquire why and wherefore. It 
gives the power of analysis. It appears largely 
developed in the portraits and busts of Bacon, 
Locke, Franklin, Voltaire, &c. ; moderate in Pitt. 
It is larger in the English and Germans than in 
the French. 

32. Wit.— Situated on aline with No. 31. When 
large, it gives breadth to the upper part of the 
forehead. Its function is a quick perception of 
such analogies, as by their novelty excite surprise 
and agreeable emotions. In the masks of Sterne, 
Shakspeare, Voltaire, &c, this organ is pecu- 
liarly striking. 

33. Imitation. — Situated on a line with No. 
13. The function of this organ is the love of imi- 
tation, and an aptitude to practise it ; and hence 
persons, who have it large, are qualified to be- 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 



29 



come mimics, actors, and painters. Large in 
Clara Fisher, and in Jervis. 

34. Supernaturality, or Wonder. — Situated 
between Nos. 1G and 33. The function of this 
organ is to create a belief in the presence and 
agency of supernatural beings, and it produces a 
tendency to believe in inspirations. It begets a 
fondness for news, and particularly if extravagant. 
It produces the expression of surprise and asto- 
nishment in ordinary discourse, and a turning-up 
of the exterior angle of the eye-lashes. Such 
persons as have this organ large, do not distin- 
guish between possibility and impossibility; and 
this arises from the predominence of Superna- 
turality over Causality and Conscientiousness. 

Having thus briefly described the different or- 
gans, their situation and powers, I shall call your 
attention to their combinations. 

Three rules have been laid down for estimating 
the influence of the difference in size, occurring in 
the organs of the same brain. 

First. Every faculty desires gratification, with 
a degree of energy proportionate to the size of its 
organ ; and those faculties will be habitually in- 
dulged, the organs of which are largest in the in- 
dividual. 

For example : if all the animal organs are large, 
and all the organs of the moral sentiments and in- 
tellect are small, the individual will be naturally 
prone to animal indulgence in the highest degree. 

If, on the other hand, the organs of the moral 
sentiments and intellect greatly predominate, the 
individual will be naturally disposed to moral and 
intellectual pursuits. 

d3 



30 AN EXAMINATION 

Second. Should it happen that several large 
animal organs are combined with a full develope- 
ment of several moral and intellectual organs, the 
rule then is, that the lower propensities will take 
their direction from the higher powers. 

Third. Where all the organs appear in nearly 
equal proportion to each other, so that the dif- 
ferent powers are accurately balanced, the indi- 
vidual will exhibit opposite phases of character, 
according as the animal or moral and intellectual 
powers predominate at the time ; and he will pass 
his life in alternately sinning and repenting. If 
the individual, thus constituted, be brought under 
external influences, they will operate powerfully 
upon him, and his conduct will be greatly modi- 
fied by them. 

Fourth. The same may be said of the counter- 
acting and neutralizing influence of the individual 
organs on each other, as of that which appertains 
to the different groups. 

For example : if the organs of Combativeness 
and Destructiveness are very full, and those of 
Veneration and Conscientiousness are also very full, 
the latter will so counteract and neutralize the 
former, that the individual may live all his days 
in quiet, and not once manifest the smallest dis- 
position to combat or murder. Or, if the organ 
of Acquisitiveness is very large, and that of Bene- 
volence is also very full, the two propensities 
being thus counterpoised, there may be no espe- 
cial desire of accumulating wealth manifested, and 
as little of the spirit of liberal giving. And all 
the organs may be so accurately balanced, that 
the good shall counteract the evil desires. 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 31 

It is, however, a doctrine of Phrenology, that 
the temperament of the individual exerts a strong 
influence upon the action of the different organs, 
and groups of organs ; and consequently must be 
taken into the account, in judging of their activity 
and power, whatever combinations they may ex- 
hibit. 

Before I close this lecture, I must call your at- 
tention for a moment, to another of the doctrines 
of Phrenology, which should be understood, in 
order fully to appreciate the philosophy of the 
practical application of the science. I refer to 
what is called the natural language of the organs. 

The doctrine is, that the action of the phreno- 
logical organs tends to control the attitudes and 
movements of the body, as well as modify the ex- 
pressions. That the actions of the body will be 
in the longitudinal direction of the organs. For 
example: if the action of Amativcness be strongly 
excited, and especially if the organ is large, the 
head will be thrown backward, because the base 
of the organ is situated in the lower, and back 
part of the brain ; and which is the reason, also, 
that lovers are prone to bring the back part of 
their heads in contact, when they approach each 
other. 

Combativeness, when strongly excited, gives a 
sudden backward and lateral motion to the head. 

The proud man carries his head erect, because 
the organ of Self-esteem has its termination upon 
the superior part of the brain ; while he who is 
deficient in the development of this organ, inclines 
his head forward, in an humble attitude. 

The devout man bows his head forward, in or- 



32 AN EXAMINATION 

der to present the organ of Veneration, in the di- 
rection of the Deity in the Heavens. 

The logician, when he reasons strongly, is prone 
to press his forehead with his index finger, because 
of the action going on in the organ of Causality, 
which is situated in the forehead. 

Preachers and advocates, when speaking with 
animation, move the head in the line of Concen- 
trativeness or Individuality, or straight backward 
and forward. 

Secretiveness, when the organ is full, gives a 
sidelong glance and a watchful look to the eye. 

The organ of Self-esteem, when large in chil- 
dren, causes them to mount on chairs and benches, 
to make themselves equal in height to grown per- 
sons; and adults of small stature do the same, 
and keep the bodies erect, and have a proud gait. 

Those birds, which have this organ large, de- 
light in soaring on the wing in lofty flight, and 
build their nests in the most elevated situations. 

The chamois and goat, which take pleasure in 
climbing craggy and lofty cliffs, and to graze upon 
the mountain top, have the organ large. 



OP PHRENOLOGY. 33 



LECTURE II. 
Gentlemen, 



Having, in my first lecture, exhibited to you 
the leading doctrines of Phrenology, and explained 
the principles upon which it is founded, my object 
in this lecture will be to shew how far the science 
is reconcilable with the anatomical structure and 
organization of the brain, the cranium, and other 
parts concerned. 

I adopt this course from two considerations : 

1st. From a belief that the anatomy of the parts 
concerned, is the proper and only standard by 
which to ascertain its truth. 

2nd. That the metaphysical arguments on the 
subject, while they have been urged with great 
power, have too often been evaded, and the public 
mind has not been enlightened, as to the real me- 
rits of Phrenology, by the usual methods of inves- 
tigation. Even the lash of ridicule, under which 
it has generally been left to wither, has done but 
little in arresting its progress, or exposing its 
errors. 

The ground which phrenologists assume the 
right to occupy is so extensive, and the outlets 
for retreat are so numerous, that it is difficult to 
present an objection to the science, which cannot, 
upon the common principles of reasoning, be 
plausibly evaded. A few examples will illustrate 
the idea which I wish to convey. 



34 AN EXAMINATION 

If an individual has a large head, and his mental 
manifestations are unusually powerful, the case is 
brought forward as a proof of the truth of phre- 
nology; but if the manifestations are feeble, it is 
said that the great size of the head is the result of 
disease, or that the brain is not well organised, 
or that other circumstances have exerted an in- 
fluence in diminishing its power. If a small head 
is connected with a powerful intellect, it only 
proves that the brain, though small, is well or- 
ganized, and acts with uncommon energy. If an 
individual has a particular propensity strongly 
marked in his character, and there is no corres- 
ponding development of the brain, it is said that 
the organ has not been thrown out by indulging 
its desires \ but if there is a large development of 
an organ, and no corresponding propensity, then 
it is contended that the germ of the propensity is 
there, but that it has been repressed by education, 
or other circumstances ; or it is found that some 
counteracting organ is fully developed which neu- 
tralizes the first. For example : if the organ of 
Covetousness is large, and the person has no un- 
common love of gain, and the organ of Benevo- 
lence is also large, it is urged that the action of 
the one neutralizes that of the other. 

I have already mentioned that the temperament 
also is supposed to perform an important part in 
modifying the action of the different organs, and 
for which all due allowance is to be made. 

When all these fail in furnishing a satisfactory 
explanation, another method still more amusing is 
sometimes resorted to, in relieving phrenology 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 35 

from embarrassment. It may be illustrated by 
the following facts : 

There is a celebrated divine now living, in Scot- 
land, equally distinguished for his amiable dispo- 
sition, his gigantic powers of mind, and the great 
moral influence which he exerts upon the Christian 
world. This individual, it is said, has the organ 
of Dcstructiveness very largely developed, and 
not having any counteracting organ very large, it 
is contended by those who are acquainted with 
the fact, that he manifests his inherent disposi- 
tion to murder, by his mighty efforts to destroy 
vice and break down systems of error. In this way 
he gratifies his propensity to shed blood. 

By a recent examination of the skull of the ce- 
lebrated infidel Voltaire, it is found that he had 
the organ of Veneration developed to a very extra- 
ordinary degree. For him it is urged, that his 
veneration for the Deity was so great, his sensi- 
bility upon the subject of devotion so exquisite, 
that he became shocked and disgusted with the 
irreverence of even the most devout Christians, 
and that out of pure respect and veneration for the 
Deity, he attempted to exterminate the Christian 
religion from the earth. 

Other explanations, as much at variance frith 
truth and common sense, are resorted to in carry- 
ing out the system. 

Allowing, therefore, to phrenologists the lati- 
tude they claim, it would seem impossible to pre- 
sent a case so contradictory to their principles as 
not to admit of prompt and plausible explanation. 

It is such considerations as these that have in- 
duced me to attempt an examination of the prin- 



36 AN EXAMINATION 

ciples of phrenology, on other than the metaphy- 
sical grounds, or its practical application to indi- 
vidual cases. 

In pursuing the investigation I shall enquire : 

I. How far phrenology is sustained by the 
structure and organization of the brain ? 

II. How far facts justify the opinion that there 
is an established relation between the volume of 
the brain and the powers of the mind ? 

III. How far it is possible to ascertain the vo- 
lume of the brain in the living subject, by measure- 
ment or observation ? 

IV. How far it is possible to ascertain the rela- 
tive degree of development of the different parts of 
the brain, by the examination of the living head ? 

V. Notice a few facts which have been used in 
support of phrenology, and conclude with some 
general remarks. 

I. How far is phrenology sustained by the 
structure and organization of the brain I 

The brain is that soft, plastic substance, which 
is contained in the cavity of the cranium. Its 
weight is computed to average, in the adult, about 
three and a half pounds, greatly varying, how- 
ever, in different heads, and in those of nearly the 
same size. It is invested by three membranes, 
the duramater, the tunica arachnoidea, and pia- 
mater. The former of these is thick, dense, and 
opake, the two latter extremely thin and trans- 
parent. It is divided by a horizontal membrane, 
the tentorium, into the cerebrum and cerebellum, 
the latter being connected with the former by an 
aperture in the tentorium, near its centre. The 
cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres, the 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 37 

right and left, by a deep longitudinal fissure, in 
which the falx of the duramater is situated. 

Upon removing the duramater, there are exhi- 
bited to the eye, numerous convolutions, rendered 
distinct by grooves, which separate them to a 
greater or less depth ; but these convolutions do 
not, in any respect, correspond in form, size, or 
position, with the bases of the phrenological 
organs as mapped out upon the figured skull. 
Phrenologists do not pretend that there is any re- 
lation between the one and the other. 

The brain, when divided by incision, presents 
two substances, different in colour and texture, the 
cortical or pulpy portion, which forms the external, 
part, and is of an ash colour ; and the medullary 
or fibrous portion, which forms the central part, 
and is of a beautiful white, and is fibrous in its 
structure. 

The brain is more vascular than almost any 
other part of the body. By some anatomists it 
has been computed that one-fifth, and by others 
that one-tenth, of all the blood of the body is dis- 
pensed to this organ ; while the brain in weight is 
seldom equal to one-fortieth of the whole body. 
It i9 supplied principally by the carotid and ver- 
tebral arteries. 

Neither the cortical or fibrous part of the brain 
reveals, upon dissection, any of those compart- 
ments or organs, upon the existence of which the 
main fabric of phrenology is based. No such di- 
visions have been discovered by the eye or the 
microscope. The most common observation is 
sufficient to shew that there is not the slightest 
indication of such a structure. Indeed no phre- 
e 



38 AN EXAMINATION 

nologist, after all the investigations which have 
been made upon the subject, from the first dawn 
of the science to the present time, not even Gall 
and Spurzheim themselves, venture to assert that 
thatr-such divisions of the brain have been disco- 
vered. 

The fact of the existence of the horizontal mem- 
brane, called the tentorium, separating the supe- 
rior from the inferior part of the brain, as well as 
the arrangement of the lateral ventricles, the cor- 
pus callossum, the fornix, and other parts, clearly 
shew the absurdity of the idea of organs as de- 
scribed by phrenologists. The notion, then, of the 
division of the brain into phrenological organs, is 
entirely hypothetical ; is not sustained by dissec- 
tion ; and is utterly inconsistent with its whole 
formation. 

These facts are perfectly well known, and are 
universally admitted by all anatomists. See plates 
II. IV. VI. with the explanation. 

II. How far do facts justify the opinion, that 
there is an established relation between the volume 
of the brain and the powers of the mind ? 

This enquiry involves one of the fundamental 
principles of phrenology. 

" If," says Mr. Combe, " we take two heads, 
in sound health, of similar age, in each of which 
several organs are similar in their proportions, but 
the one of which is large, and the other small, and 
if the preponderance of power of manifestation is 
not in favour of the first, then phrenology must 
be abandoned as destitute of foundation." 

And here it is proper to enquire, whether in 
speaking of the volume of the brain, its absolute 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 39 

or relative size is to be understood. If the former, 
then men of small stature must rank as inferior in 
intellectual power, to men of large size; and 
phrenology has also to contend with the fact, that 
the whale, the elephant, and several other ani- 
mals of the lower order, have a larger brain than 
man, while their intellect is inferior. 

If the relative size of the brain be intended, 
then it is necessary to know with what it is to be 
compared ; whether with the dimensions of the 
face, the size and length of the neck, with the size 
of the spinal marrow, the cerebral nerves, or with 
the volume of the whole body. l T pon this point, 
phrenologists have not been explicit. 

The difficulty of instituting an accurate compa- 
rison of the brain with the first four of them, 
seems likely to prevent either from becoming the 
standard; and the great variations to which the 
body is liable from different causes, losing, as it 
sometimes does, nearly half its volume, while the 
brain remains the same, renders this not a more 
certain criterion. Some facts, however, seem to 
have afforded the inference, that the power of the 
intellect is in proportion to the volume of the 
brain, compared to that of the body; and that just 
as we descend in the scale of intellectual existence, 
from man through the various tribes of animals, 
the brain will be found to be diminished in size. 
But the investigations of Haller, Wrisberg, Soem- 
mering, Blumenbach, Cuvier, and other anato- 
mists, shew this conclusion to be erroneous, and 
prove by actual experiment, that it has no founda- 
tion in nature. A summary of the result of Cu- 
e 2 



40 



AN EXAMINATION 



vier's investigations upon this subject, is presented 
in the following table. 

He considers the brain in man, in proportion to 
his body, as one to thirty ; and though it might 
with more propriety have been calculated as one 
to forty or fifty, the relative proportion between 
man and the lower animals is no less certainly 
ascertained. 

Man 1.30 

MONKEYS. 

Gibbon 148 

Saimiri 1 .22 

Sai 125 

Ouistiti 1.28 

Coaita 1.41 

Young Malbrook 1.24 

Callitriche 1.41 

Mone 1.44 

Mongabey 1 .48 

QUADRUPEDS. 

Mole 1.36 

Dogs, different species, from 1.47 to 1305 

Cat from 1.82 to 1.156 

Bearer 1.290 

Rat 1.76 

Mouse 143 

Field mouse 1.31 

Elephant 1.500 

Sheep ... from 1.192 to 1.351 

Ox 1.860 

Horse 1.400 

CETACEOUS ANIMALS. 

Dolphin from 1.25 to 1.102 

Porpoise 1.903 

BIRDS. 

Ragle 1.280 

Gook 1.360 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 41 

Cock l.tl 

Sparrow 1-25 

Canary birds 114 

REPTILES. 

Land Turtle 1.2240 

Frog 1.170 

FJ6IIES. 

Shark 12496 

Carp 1.660 

This table shows that four species of the mon- 
key, the dolphin, and three kinds of birds, (the 
canary bird, sparrow, and cock,) exceed man in 
the proportion of the brain to the body, and that 
various other animals arc nearly on a level with 
him. 

Xor does the argument in favour of a regular 
gradation of intellect, according to the size of the 
brain, hold good in a comparison of the lower 
animals with each other, their intellectual capa- 
cities not being in proportion of the brain to the 
body. This fact is shewn by the table of Cuvier. 

The doctrine, therefore, that man owes his in- 
tellectual superiority to an excess of brain, de- 
rives no support from his comparison with the 
lower animals ; nor does it appear, from observa- 
tion, that this is the source of the diversity of in- 
tellectual capacity which distinguishes individuals 
of the human species from each other. 

Professor Warren, of Boston, who has pro- 
bably enjoyed as great opportunities for dissecting 
the brains of literary and intellectual men of high 
grade, and of comparing these with the brains of 
men in the lower walks of life, as any anatomist 
of our country, if not of the age, says, as the 
e3 



42 AN EXAMINATION 

result of his experience on this subject, that in 
some instances, it appeared that a large brain had 
been connected with superior mental powers, and 
that the reverse of this was true in about an equal 
number. One individual who was most distin- 
guished for the variety and extent of his native 
talent, says Dr. Warren, had, it was ascertained 
after death, an uncommonly small Drain. 

1 might accumulate testimony of this descrip- 
tion to an almost unlimited extent, but I will not 
detain you; and will only observe that, after a 
careful investigation of the subject, I feel autho- 
rized to say, that the experience of eminent ana- 
tomists of all times and countries, who have paid 
attention to the subject, will be found in strict 
accordance with that of Dr. Warren. 

But, for the sake of argument, let us for the 
time concede this point, and suppose, with phre- 
nologists, that there is an established relation be- 
tween the volume of the brain and the powers of 
the mind, and then enquire, 

III. How far it is possible to ascertain the 
volume of the brain in the living subject by mea- 
surement or observation. 

This enquiry, like the preceding, involves one 
of the fundamental principles of phrenology. 

" By a knowledge of both" (phrenology and 
craniology), says a distinguished writer upon this 
Bcience, " the experienced phrenologist is enabled 
to judge of the natural amount and general cha- 
racter of the intellects of individuals, from an in- 
spection of their heads." 

And, first, by what means are we to ascertain 
the volume of the brain ? 



OF PHRENOLOGY. ' 43 

Phrenologists have provided two instruments 
for this purpose, viz. the craniometer and callipus. 

The former of these is the instrument princi- 
pally in use, and by it we are told that we can 
not only measure the volume of the brain, but de- 
termine also the size of the individual organs. 

It consists of a brass semicircle, connected at 
the extremities, with two horizontal bars, ter- 
minating in a small knob to be placed in the ex- 
ternal opening of each ear. By this means, 
while the semicircle remains fixed at its extre- 
mities, its circumference moves freely backward 
and forward. Attached to this is a sliding gra- 
duated scale, which is easily brought in contact 
with any part of the surface of the head. By 
this instrument, it is presumed, that the exact 
size of the head can be ascertained, and as all the 
phrenological organs are supposed to commence 
at the medulla oblongata, or top of the spinal 
marrow, which, being nearly on a line with the 
two horizontal bars that pass into the external 
ear, the length of each organ can be ascertained. 

Now, allowing all this to be philosophical, it is 
evident that in order to render this instrument 
availing, the integuments of the head and the 
walls of the cranium, must be of a uniform thick- 
ness in all persons ; or that we must possess some 
means of determining the degree of deviation from 
this principle. 

In childhood, both the integuments of the head 
and the walls of the cranium are thin and delicate ; 
in the adult they are thicker, but in old age they 
are again diminished in thickness. There is also 
some difference in the two sexes ; the male, as a 



44 ' AN EXAMINATION 

general rule, having the thicker skull. There 
are, however, frequent exceptions to this principle. 
But besides the change which occurs at the dif- 
ferent periods of life, and the difference which 
usually marks the two sexes, there is often a great 
diversity in the thickness of the integuments and 
the skull, in different persons of the same age, 
sex, and condition, and of which we have no 
means of judging in the living subject. This fact 
I have verified by numerous dissections. 

1 here exhibit a number of drawings, made from 
skulls in my possession, which illustrate some of 
the points that I wish to establish. 

Plates II. III. V. Vlll. represent sections of 
different skulls, made by passing a saw through 
them horizontally, about one inch above the super- 
ciliary ridge in the frontal, and the same distance 
above the crucial ridge in the occipital region. 
These delineations were made from nature, by an 
eminent artist ; are fac-similes, and represent the 
skull precisely, in form and thickness. 

Plate II. represents, by a horizontal section, 
the skull of a sturdy, athletic waterman, who was 
drowned in the Potomac. It is scarcely the eighth 
of an inch in thickness, though it is firm, compact, 
and in every respect healthy, in its structure. 

Plate III. represents, by a horizontal section, 
the skull of a young and once beautiful female, 
who came to this city from a neighbouring State, 
fell into bad company, abandoned the paths of 
virtue, and died in abject poverty. It is nearly 
twice the thickness of the former, and is well or- 
ganized and healthy in its appearance. 

Here we have two skulls from healthy indi- 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 45 

viduals in the vigour of life, the one a male and 
the other a female ; and to render the contrast 
more striking, the skull of the female is twice 
the thickness of that of the male. Where is the 
phrenologist, however experienced, who, hy the 
delicacy of his touch, the keenness of his eye, and 
these aided by-fckt*~his craniometer, could have 
pronounced, that the sturdy waterman had a skull 
scarcely the eighth, while that of the female was 
at least one-fourth of an inch in thickness, and 
been able to make due allowance, and to ascer- 
tain the relative volume of the brain in each ? 

Plate IV. represents, by a vertical section, a 
skull kindly furnished me by Doctor Smith, Pro- 
fessor of Surgery in the University of Maryland. 
The subject was an adult male. It is thick, and 
very compact, and well organized. 

Plate V. represents, by a horizontal section, a 
skull which has also been furnished by Professor 
Smith. It is that of an adult male, and averages 
nearly three-fourths of an inch in thickness, and is 
of ordinary and healthy structure. 

Plate VI. represents, by a vertical section, an 
adult male skull from the cabinet of Professor 
Smith. It averages marly one inch in thickness, 
and appears in every respect healthy and natural. 

Plate VII. represents, by a vertical section, the 
cast of a skull which is from the cabinet of Spurz- 
heim. It was kindly procured and sent me by 
Professor Warren, of Boston. 

The crania delineated in plates IV., VI., VII., 
which exhibits the vertical section, were prepared 
for the engraver, by passing the saw through 



46 • AN EXAMINATION 

theru perpendicularly, on one side of the median 
line. 

The history of the intellectual character of the 
individuals whose crania are here delineated, I 
shall not detail, as the only object of introducing 
them is, to show the natural and insurmountable 
obstacles which exist in ascertaining the amount 
of brain by the measurement or inspection of the 
living head. Such a history would be entirely 
irrelevant, as it could in no way aid the phreno- 
logist in his examination. 

The difference in their thickness furnishes im- 
pressive evidence of the impossibility of ascer- 
taining the volume of the brain by the rules of 
phrenology. 

Besides the crania delineated in these plates, 
I have in my possession a large number, exhi- 
biting every intermediate degree of thickness, 
from that of the sturdy waterman to the cast of 
Spurzheim. 

But in order to render this part of the inves- 
tigation the more satisfactory and conclusive, I 
have instituted a series of experiments to ascer- 
tain the exact amount of brain in the skull, com- 
pared wiih its external dimensions. These ex- 
periments were made under the immediate in- 
spection and by the assistance of Dr. Thomas P. 
Jones, of this city, and Professor William Ruggles, 
of the Columbian College, gentlemen whose high 
scientific character ensures the utmost accuracy 
in the results. 1 am much indebted to these gen- 
tlemen for the aid they have afforded me. In the 
first series of experiments was ascertained the 
volume of each skull, the brain included. In the 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 4/ 

second scries the volume of the brain alone, or 
the capacity of the cerebral cavity. 

Then, in order to render the difference in capa- 
city more obvious, the volume of each skull, the 
brain included, was reduced to the dimensions of 
seventy fluid ounces. 

This table shews the result of these experiments, 
as extended to five of the skulls delineated in the 
platen. 

vol. skull, br. included vol. brain. 

PI. II. 70 :_• 02 . 

III. " t 5 1.72 

IV. * ' 46.21 
V. « 84.79 

VII. " 25 33 

In five skulls, therefore, of the same external 
dimensions, we have a difference in the amount of 
brain between 

II. and III. of 4.50 oz. 

II. " iv. " looi 

II. " V. " 21.43 

II '< VII " 31.89 

In this computation we have a difference in the 
volume of brain contained in two skulls of the 
same external dimensions, of 31.89, something 
more than one half. These experiments have been 
extended to a great variety of crania, not here de- 
lineated ; which confirm the above estimate, and 
shew that the external dimensions of the skull 
furnish no indication of the amount of brain. 

I hold it then to be clearly established that no 
phrenologist, however experienced, can, by an in- 
spection of the living head, ascertain whether an 
individual has a skull of one inch, or one eighth 
of an inch in thickness, nor whether he has 56.22 
ounces of brain in volume, or only 25.33 ounces. 



s 



AN EXAMINATION 



With the result of these experiments before you, 
gentlemen, I leave you to estimate the value of 
phrenology as a practical science, in determining 
the powers of the human intellect. 

But we will pass on to enquire : 

IV. How far it is practicable to ascertain the 
degree of development of the different parts of 
the brain, by measurement or examination of the 
living head? 

And here permit me again to call to your recol- 
lection the fundamental doctrine already stated, 
" that by a knowledge of phrenology and crani- 
ology, the experienced phrenologist is enabled to 
judge of the natural amount and general character 
of the intellects of individuals from an inspection 
of their heads." The amount of intellect being 
estimated by the size of the head, while its cha- 
racter is determined by the form. 

In the investigation of this part of the subject, 
we shall find that anatomy interposes numerous 
obstacles to the practical phrenologist, the more 
important of which I shall briefly notice. 

1. Of the frontal sinuses. These are cavities 
situated in the anterior and lower portion of the 
frontal bone. To shew the manner in which they 
are formed, it is proper to state, that the bones of 
the skull are composed of two tables, external and 
internal ; and that these are united by an inter- 
vening lattice work of bony matter, called diploe. 
In some parts of the skull, this diploic structure 
is absent ; the two tables recede from each other, 
and cavities of greater or less extent are thereby 
created. It is in this manner that the frontal 
sinuses are formed. 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 



49 



Plate VIII. represents, by a horizontal section, 
the skull of an individual whom I well knew. He 
was an athletic, labouring man, who became in- 
temperate, and died at the age of thirty. During 
his life, I frequently remarked, that he had what 
would be called by Phrenologists, a fine head for 
the perceptive faculties. His eye was deeply en- 
sconced under a full projecting brow, and the 
organs of Form, Size, Weight, Colour, Order, 
Number, Individuality, and Comparison, were un- 
commonly well developed. His Locality was enor- 
mous. We should, upon the principles of phre- 
nology, have pronounced him a Rubens in paint- 
ing, a Humboldt in arrangement, and in Form, 
Size, and Weight, a Wren, a Douglas, or a Simp- 
son. The development of his Comparison and 
Individuality would have placed him by the side 
of Dean Swift and the Earl of Chatham ; and his 
Locality represented him as quite equal to Colum- 
bus, Newton, Volne)', and Sir Walter Scott. 

But what do we find upon an examination after 
death ? We discover the frontal sinuses to extend 
over the organs of Individuality, Form, Size, 
Weight, Colour, Locality, Order, Time, and Com- 
parison ; the two tables of bone, separated in some 
points at the distance of an inch, and the inter- 
vening cavities so capacious as to measure one 
and a half fluid ounces. 

Plate VIII. shews the form, size, and situation 
of the frontal sinuses, by a horizontal section of 
the skull. 

So far, then, from the great apparent develop- 
ment of these organs, being occasioned by a for- 
ward protrusion of the anterior lobes of the brain, 

F 



50 AN EXAMINATION 

the projection was caused by the receding of the 
inner from the outer table of the skull, in the for- 
mation of the frontal sinuses, and the brain is 
discovered to be actually very deficient in its an- 
terior portion. 

I need scarcely observe, that no one presumes 
to distinguish between that projection which is 
caused by the full development of the anterior 
lobes of the brain, and the existence of the frontal 
sinuses. 

Here, then, are nine of the organs, of which no 
correct judgment can be formed, as to the degree 
of their development in the living head. From 
the large frontal sinuses, delineated in this plate, 
I have skulls in which they are seen of almost 
every intermediate size, to those which measure 
only a few grains. 

2. The temporal muscle. This is one of the 
principal muscles of mastication, and from its 
situation necessarily conceals a number of the 
phrenological organs. It arises from the tempo- 
ral ridge, which is in the form of an arch as it 
passes over the frontal, parietal, and occipital 
bones, and covers a large part of the lateral por- 
tion of the cranium. Its fibres, as they descend 
from its origin, converge, the muscle becoming 
thicker, till it passes under the zigomatie pro- 
cess of the temporal bone, to be inserted into the 
coronoid process of the lower jaw. This muscle 
is very various in volume, in different persons, 
being in some twice the thickness that we find it 
in others. It covers wholly, or in part, the or- 
gans of DcstructivenesSjConstructiveness, Acquisi- 
tiveness, Sccrctiveness, Cautiousness, Ideality, 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 51 

Number, and Tune. Of the degree of development 
of these organs, therefore, it is evident we can 
form no correct estimate, by an examination of 
the living head. 

By means of the frontal sinuses and temporal 
muscle alone, therefore, we find seventeen out of 
the thirty-four organs beyond the reach of obser- 
vation. 

3. Let us next ascertain whether the skull is in 
every part of the same thickness, and whether the 
two tables, of which it is composed, are every 
where parallel to each other. 

To say nothing of the numerous ridges and 
grooves which are exhibited upon the internal 
surface of the cranium, and which vary very much in 
size, and somewhat also in position, the two 
tables are not everywhere parallel ; consequently, 
the skull is not of uniform t Yickness in every part, 
and this want of uniformity varies in different 
heads. 1 can shew numerous examples in which 
there is a marked protuberance externally, but no 
corresponding concavity within. In one skull, 
we have the organ of Philoprogenitiveness, very 
full, but it is occasioned only by an increased 
thickness of the bone at this part. In others, the 
organ/ of Causality is very prominent, but so far 
from finding a corresponding concavity within, the 
inner table presents a plain surface ; and there are 
frequently considerable depressions within, where 
the corresponding surface without, does not exhi- 
bit the slightest projection. It is also true, that 
there are scarcely any two skulls which exhibit the 
same relative thickness in different parts. This is 
f 2 



52 AN EXAMINATION 

obvious from an examination of the accompanying 
plates. 

No Phrenologist, therefore, who discovers a 
protuberance on the skull, can determine whether 
it is caused by a fulness of the brain, at that part, 
or an increased thickness of the bone. 

4. The great number and diminutive size of the 
organs, as represented in the figured head, pre- 
sents a serious obstacle to the phrenologist, in 
ascertaining their fulness as well as their actual 
position. 

In the forehead, there are no less than fourteen 
pairs of organs, huddled together in the compass 
of a few square inches ; a space scarcely equal in ex- 
tent to that appropriated to a single pair of organs, 
belonging to the department of the propensities, 
or that of the moral sentiments, and all concealed 
by the frontal bone. 

You have asked, gentlemen, if the specimens of 
crania delineated in the plates, were not extreme 
cases ; of irregular structure ; and to be regarded 
as exceptions to the general rule. I have already 
stated, that I possess skulls of every intermediate 
degree of thickness, from that of the waterman to 
the cast of Spurzheim ; and those, also, which ex- 
hibit the frontal sinuses from the size represented 
in Plate VIII., to those which are scarcely per- 
ceptible ; and, by visiting the ditYerent anatomical 
cabinets of our country, the same variations will 
be seen in abundance. But, admit these speci- 
mens to be of irregular structure, and to form ex- 
ceptions to any general ruh s which the phrenologist 
may establish for his guide, and the admission is 



OF PHRENOLOGY, 53 

fatal to the pretensions of the practical phreno- 
logist. The existence of a single exception to the 
general rule, as to the thickness of the skull, and 
the size of the frontal sinuses, presents an insu- 
perable objection to the science ; unless the phre- 
nologist can point out some means of ascertaining, 
in the living subject, when such exceptions exist. 

How is the phrenologist to know, when mea- 
suring the head, whether the skull is thick or 
thin; whether the frontal sinuses are large or 
small, and whether the protuberances which he 
finds on the head, represent corresponding deve- 
lopments of the brain, or are occasioned by an in- 
creased thickness of the skull, at the places where 
they exist ? 

V. I will now ask your attention to a few facts 
which bear upon this subject, together with some 
general remarks. 

1. It has already been observed, that phreno- 
logy makes the powers of the mind, other things 
being equal, commensurate with the volume of the 
brain. This is one of the fundamental principles 
upon which it is based. 

I do not deny that there is a difference in the 
natural capacities of men, some individuals being 
endowed with stronger, quicker, and clearer minds 
than others ; but I am far from admitting that 
this difference depends on the amount of brain, or 
that the development of the mind in the progress 
of life, is to be determined by the increased size 
of the head. If we look round upon the intellec- 
tual world, we shall find as many men distin- 
guished for intellectual power, with a head of a 
small or medium size, and as many with a large 
f3 



54 AN EXAMINATION 

head possessing a feeble intellect, as the reverse of 
these ; and had phrenology in its commencement 
received a different direction, and a small head, in 
conformity with the preference of Aristotle, been 
made the standard of perfection, it would, doubt- 
less, have enlisted as many zealous and confident 
advocates as are now found in its ranks. It is not 
the volume of the brain which determines the 
power of the human intellect. Neither facts nor 
analogy sustain the proposition. Men of the 
greatest physical power have not often the largest 
muscles. This is remarkably true of great run- 
ners, wrestlers, and boxers ; and the same obser- 
vations apply with equal force to brute animals. 
There appears to be far more in the organization 
and action of parts, than in the mere volume, in 
giving power. 

It has been admitted by a distinguished writer 
upon phrenology, that the intellect of idiots, 
where the volume of the brain has been greatly 
deficient, has been surprisingly improved during 
the continuance of an inflammatory cephalic fever; 
and that cerebral inflammation, arising from me- 
chanical injuries, has often added greatly to the 
vigor of the intellect of ordinary men. 

A son of the late Dr. Priestley, says this writer, 
whose intellect was naturally feeble, fell from the 
window of a two story house, and fractured his 
skull. From this time his intellect became 
greatly improved. 

An extraordinary case was recently communi- 
cated to the Medical Society of Ghent; that of a 
young man of naturally very limited intelligence, 
who lost to the amount of two tea-cups of brain 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 55 

by a pistol-shot, besides considerable quantities 
which were discharged at several subsequent 
dressings. He lived for two years after this oc- 
currence, with his intellect vastly improved. 

Accidents of the same nature, followed by si- 
milar consequences, are recorded of many others. 

Every one who has observed cases of intermit- 
tent fever, must have been struck with the in- 
creased vigour and activity of the mind during the 
hot stage of the disease. Men of very ordinary 
capacity, while under its influence, often rise to a 
degree of strength and boldness of conception, 
and brilliancy of expression, truly astonishing. 
When the brain is excited, whether from moral or 
physical causes, the mind often acts with vastly 
increased power, and the individual exhibits all 
the phenomena of a temporary brain fever. 

Who has listened to the debates of Congress 
during times of high political excitement, or at- 
tended the pleadings in the Supreme Court, and 
has not been impressed with the truth of this ob- 
servation ? I could detail numerous instances il- 
lustrative of this remark, but will state only a 
single case. 

The late William Pinkney, of Maryland, whose 
extraordinary power in debate is universally 
known, when unexcited, exhibited nothing in his 
appearance which manifested great activity or 
energy of mind ; but when roused by debate, his 
face became suffused with blood, his eyes spark- 
ling and animated, his carotids pulsated violently, 
his jugular veins became swollen, and every thing 
indicated that the blood was carried to the head 
with an impetus proportioned to the excitement 



56 AN EXAMINATION 

of the occasion and his intellectual effort ; and it 
was only during this cerebral orgasm that his 
thoughts were poured forth with that fluency and 
power for which he was so remarkably distin- 
guished. The same phenomena occurred, to some 
extent, in his private studies, whenever he fixed 
his mind intently on any one subject for the pur- 
pose of deep investigation. 

It was after one of these cerebral paroxysms of 
protracted and powerful excitement in the Su- 
preme Court, that the integrity of his brain gave 
way, and fatal disease ensued. 

In his last illness he informed me, thai after 
periods of high intellectual effort, he found the 
blood rushing to the head, long after the occasion 
which had excited it had gone by, and that he 
often found it difficult to compose his mind suffi- 
ciently for sleep. 

I could point you, were it proper to do so, to 
many living examples of the same description. 

In these cases there is no augmentation in the 
size of the head; there is no change in its form. 

It is evident, then, that there is something 
which gives power to the mind which has no con- 
nexion with the volume of the brain. Whether 
this is to be found in the peculiar organization of 
the cerebral structure, the increased energy and 
action of its vessels, the quantity of arterial blood 
propelled to the organ by the heart, or to some 
other cause, is beyond the present state of ana- 
tomical and physiological knowledge to de- 
termine. 

While I admit that there is a difference in the 
natural capacities of men, I am equally clear that 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 5j 

this difference is utterly insignificant, compared 
with what is impressed upon the mind by cir- 
cumstances. 

The influence of climate, occupation, literature, 
science and the arts, commerce and war, civil and 
religious institutions, the state of society and the 
modes of life, all exert a powerful influence upon 
the human intellect; but, above all, it is the dis- 
cipline of the mind which gives it power. The 
intellectual, like the physical functions, acquire 
strength by use ; and he who would attain to 
eminence, must subject himself to the habit of 
long continued and close application to study, to 
deep and systematic reflection, severe investiga- 
tion, and accurate analysis. These give a vigour 
to the mind that nature never imparts. 

But were it true that there is an established re- 
lation between the power of the mind and the 
volume of the brain, the fact would avail the 
practical phrenologist nothing, as he has no means 
of ascertaining the amount of brain in the living 
subject. 

2. You have seen that the complex character 
of the brain, as an intellectual organ, forms one of 
the leading doctrines of phrenology? and professes 
to rest mainly for its support on observation. 
Indeed, the discovery of the fact that there is a 
coincidence between the protuberances on the 
skull and the intellectual and moral character of 
man, Dr. Gall says first led him to the study of 
the subject. 

It is no part of my purpose to disprove this 
coincidence. Whether there is a correspondence 
between the external form of the head and the 



58 AN EXAMINATION 

character of the mind, I leave for future observa- 
tions to settle. If I have established the fact, 
that a protuberance on the skull is no proof of a 
corresponding development of the brain, my end 
is accomplished; and this, I think, has been 
clearly shewn. 

The idea that the brain is composed of a plu- 
rality of organs, and that each has its own appro- 
priate functions, has elicited every argument 
which could be brought to its support. To sus- 
tain the proposition volumes have been written, 
experiments have been made, and the records of 
medicine and surgery have been ransacked in pur- 
suit of facts. 

If the brain be composed of a plurality of organs, 
as represented by the figured head, and each is 
the seat of a separate faculty, it necessarily fol- 
lows that when any one of these organs is injured 
or destroyed, its faculty must be injured or de- 
stroyed also. 

Yet in all the mutilations of the brain to which 
man has been subjected for two thousand years, it 
appears that the records of surgery do not furnish 
a single well authenticated case in which the loss 
of a particular faculty has happened according to 
the organ on which the injury was inflicted, while 
the other faculties remained unimpaired. 

We learn from the researches of Drs. Ferrier 
and Kennels, that a vast variety of cases are re- 
corded in which large portions of the brain have 
been actually destroyed, and in so many parts of 
the head, as to dispose of nearly all the phrenolo- 
gical organs in turn, and that not a single case has 
happened of such partial destruction of intellect 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 59 

as must have occurred if the doctrine of separate 
organs be true ; and we can hardly find a surgeon 
who has not met with cases in his practice where 
portions of the brain have been destroyed by 
wounds, the consequences of which fully confirm 
the statement of these writers. 

In many of these cases, blindness and deafness 
have been produced, motion and sensation de- 
stroyed, and all the intellectual faculties suspended; 
but there has not been a destruction of a particular 
faculty of the mind, while its other powers have 
remained untouched. How, then, can it be, after 
the lapse of so many ages, that there are no facts 
of this description to confirm the doctrines of 
phrenology ? Certainly, it cannot be for the want 
of an opportunity for observation. 

To say nothing of the accidents of private life, 
there is scarcely a naval or military battle, in 
which cases of injury of the phrenological organs 
are not met with in abundance ; and yet the science 
derives no support from this source. 

If the theory of a plurality of cerebral organs be 
true, we might, perhaps, with some shew of plausi- 
bility, by mechanical means as well as moral influ- 
ence, agreeably to the proposition of Emanuel Swe- 
denborg*, endeavour so to modify the developments 
of the skull, as to promote the growth of the good 
organs, and repress those that are evil ; and thus 
turn a sour into a sweet temper, and a knavish 
into an honest disposition. Upon this principle, 
we might make our heroes and statesmen, our 
philosophers and divines, our poets and painters, 
and all of the highest order. 

* See note, page 12. 



60 AN EXAMINATION 

For ought we know, the brain is a unit, and the 
whole organ concerned in each and every opera- 
tion of the mind. 

That the different faculties of the mind are 
modified by occupation, is universally known and 
admitted. 

The individual who exclusively cultivates his 
memory, acquires a facility of retaining facts to an 
extent inconceivable to those who neglect this 
faculty ; and such persons often make vast attain- 
ments in knowledge without the power of arrang- 
ing or applying it to practice ; while the meta- 
physician, who principally exercises his under- 
standing, arrives at a power of analysis, and of 
distinguishing cause and effect, known only to 
those who accustom themselves to long and deep 
thinking. He, who cherishes his fancy to the 
neglect of his judgment, acquires an exquisiteness 
of feeling and refinement which often disqualifies 
him for the more rigorous exercises of the mind. 
The will, unbridled, acquires strength, untiHt gains 
an omnipotent control over that man who habitu- 
ally yields to its dominion. 

3. An argument frequently urged in the support 
of phrenology, is the success with which its prin- 
ciples have been applied to practice in distinguish- 
ing character. Dr. Gall himself, we are told, 
subjected his theory to the most rigid scrutiny, 
with triumphant success ; that on several occa- 
sions he was enabled to ascertain, by the develop- 
ments of the head, the precise crime for which 
multitudes had been convicted and sent to prison. 

To expose the absurdity of this argument it is 
only necessary to bring to view the fact, that men 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 61 

of the same natural propensities, perpetrate dif- 
ferent crimes, when placed under different cir- 
cumstances; and that individuals of different, and 
even opposite tendencies, commit the same crimes 
when placed under circumstances which are sim ilar 
nay, that men often perpetrate crimes to which 
they have no natural propensity, but a deep ab- 
horrence, when strongly operated on by external 
influences. 

One man commits murder wantonly, and ap- 
parently from the natural cruelty of his disposi- 
tion ; another, that he may inherit a post of 
honour, or possess himself of fortune ; and a 
third, to conceal another crime which be has al- 
ready perpetrated. 

One individual steals from the mere motive of 
acquisition ; another, that he may posseai the 
means to gratify his sensual desires, or foster his 
pride or ambition ; while a third is impelled to 
the crime from extreme poverty. 

The history of man in every country and age, 
will shew that nine-tenths of all the outrages com- 
mitted are the consequence of defective education, 
bad example, vicious company, or other circum- 
stances which attend the offender, rather than any 
inherent propensity to the crime perpetrated. 

How preposterous, then, to look to the develop- 
ments of the head as the measure of a man's vir- 
tues and vices, or even to regard his known pro- 
pensities and dispositions as the true index to the 
history of his life. 

Can any one who reflects upon the various cir- 
cumstances of human life, the incidents which 
often control man's destinies, the temptations 

G 



62 AN EXAMINATION 

which assail him in different situations, believe, 
that of the four hundred and seventy culprits ex- 
amined by Dr. Gall at the fortress of Spandau, 
upon which so much stress has been laid, each 
was convicted of the precise crime for which he 
had the strongest propensity by nature ? As well 
may we suppose that everyone dies of the disease 
to which he has the strongest natural predisposi- 
tion ; that because a man is predisposed to apo- 
plexy, he cannot die of fever, be buried in the ocean, 
or be struck down by the lightning of heaven. 

4. Again, it is said, if phrenology is destitute of 
foundation, why is it that it has become a study 
of so much interest in the circles of literary and 
scientific men ? A moment's attention to the sub- 
ject will enable us to answer the inquiry. 

Phrenology, if it did not originate with, was 
early espoused by zealous and distinguished advo- 
cates. Gall and Spurzheim were both men of 
genius and of letters, and the latter especially 
has shewn himself to be a man of extraordinary 
zeal and perseverance ; an eloquent writer, an un- 
tiring investigator, and possessed of extensive 
literary acquirements ; and whatever may be 
thought of his phrenology, it is not denied, that 
his investigations of the nervous system have con- 
tributed something to physiological science ; and 
more especially, that they have excited a spirit of 
Inquiry in others which has led to important re- 
sults. We still have living advocates of phre- 
nology who justly rank among the most eloquent 
writers of the age. Mr. Combe, of Edinburgh, 
IS BCarcely surpassed for the beauty of his style, 
hit command offacts, the richness and facility of 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 63 

his illustrations, as well as for philosophical obser- 
vation. Nor is our own country destitute of men of 
ability and high literary attainments, who give all 
their influence to the support of phrenology. 

These writers have intermingled with their doc- 
trines so much of philosophy and truth, have 
introduced so many novel facts and illustrations, 
and have exhibited the whole subject in such an 
aspect, as to render the study exceedingly cap- 
tivating. 

But, beyond, all this, there is another, and 
deeper principle, which disposes men to the study 
and belief of phrenology. 

From the earliest history of man, he has ever 
been seeking after something which would solve 
all difficulties, reveal all secrets ; and something 
too, which savours of mystery or of miracle. — 
Something to supersede tedious observation, and 
laborious research ; and if this principle of his 
nature has not always been manifested in a pur- 
suit of the philosopher's stone, or animal mag- 
netism, it has shewn itself in projects equally un- 
attainable and futile. 

It is true, also, that the study of the human 
mind, and the development of the human charac- 
ter, have ever been favourite objects of attention. 
But upon the common principles of investigation, 
judging of men by their actions, his progress is 
slow, and the result doubtful. To avoid this de- 
lay and uncertainty, men have been impatient to 
discern some broad principle, some external sign, 
by which to judge of the character of the mind, 
and reveal the hidden emotions of the soul. — 
Every age has afforded proofs of the justness of 
g 2 



64 AN EXAMINATION 

these remarks. The speculations of Aristotle, 
Albert the Great, Montagnana, and Dolci, all 
evince this propensity, and seem only to be pre- 
monitory of the present system of phrenology. 

At one time, we find a Porta attempting to as- 
certain the character of men, by discovering in 
them resemblances to certain animals of the lower 
order. At another period, the physiognomy of La- 
vater becomes the universal guide. Next, the 
facial angle of Camper is made the measure of the 
human intellect. These have all been put forth, 
under the most confident assurances of their truth, 
and the sanction of great names. Each has 
flourished for a time ; has been tested by expe- 
rience and observation, and been abandoned. 
Phrenology has taken their place. Whether this, 
also, is destined to the same end, remains to be 
seen. 

Is it strange, then, when we are told that a 
science has been discovered, by which the charac- 
ter and capacities of the human mind can be as- 
certained ; the secrets of the heart disclosed, and 
this, too, by a momentary examination of the ex- 
terior of the head, that we should find men who 
will study and advocate its doctrines? 

In concluding my remarks, gentlemen, upon 
phrenology, a subject which has withdrawn, I 
fear, the attention of many able minds from far 
nobler objects, allow me to suggest some consi- 
derations in relation to your future pursuits, and 
the duties which you owe to yourselves, and to the 
world. 

You will soon be called to exchange the quiet 
scenes which now surround you, for the more 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 65 

public theatre of life, and to unite with your pre- 
sent intellectual pursuits, the arduous, practical 
duties of society. High and honourable is the 
trust to be confided to you, and it will, doubtless, 
be assumed with a suitable sense of your re- 
sponsibility, as well as with a steadfast resolution, 
that no reasonable expectations on the part of 
your friends, or the community, shall be disap- 
pointed. 

If there are some things in prospect which 
cause you to tremble, there are many also that 
meet the eye, calculated to cheer you, and to sug- 
gest, at the same time, the nature of those objects 
which more especially demand your attention. 

Providence has assigned your sphere of action 
in a country boundless in extent and inexhausti- 
ble in its resources ; blessed with a free constitu- 
tion and with civil and social institutions, calcu- 
lated to encourage the boldest enterprises, and to 
ensure to your exertions the highest rewards; a 
country unparalleled for the free unembarrassed 
facilities of applying moral, physical, and intellec- 
tual power to the great purposes of life. The 
field which lies before you is vast in the number, 
as well as the magnitude of its objects, and is con- 
stantly enlarging from the discovery of new 
sources of wealth and of labour in every portion 
of our land. 

If we turn our eyes to the Atlantic coast, we 
behold, disembarking from ships which throng 
our harbours, a countless multitude of adventurers 
from every clime, the tide of foreign emigration 
rolling in like a flood, and the cities of the sea- 
board crowded with population and loaded with 

g3 



66 AN EXAMINATION 

wealth. If we turn to the great West, but re- 
cently the hunting ground of the savage, we see 
the noblest and richest valley in the world, its fo- 
rests falling before the hardy pioneer, and towns 
and villages rising as by the touch of enchant- 
ment. And turn where we may, we see the de- 
mand for moral and intellectual effort, keeping an 
even pace with the footsteps of enterprise. 

The period, too, in which you are called to ac- 
tive life, is unprecedented for the rapid advance- 
ment of society in great practical improvements. 
In a few years you may live through more events 
of interest, tr.an whole generations which have 
preceded you. In our day, from the influence of 
moral and physical causes which are in operation, 
the well directed energies of one enterprising spi- 
rit will accomplish more than the combined exer- 
tion of multitudes in a former age. But it is not 
as champions of some brilliant theory, which at- 
tracts attention because of its mysterious and ex- 
travagant character, by which you can become 
useful, and acquire a desirable reputation. It is 
practical talent which is in requisition throughout 
our whole country, and this supported by deci- 
sion, energy, and action ; and it is by your own 
exertions that a renovating power is to go forth. 
Endeavour then to cultivate a deep sense of your 
personal responsibility, and realize that you are 
accountable for every hour of time, for every im- 
pression you make, for every sentiment you ad- 
vance. Never had any people higher destinies 
than ours to fulfil, or less excuse for pursuing 
shadows, or indulging in airy speculations. 

In determining the objects of your pursuit, let 



OF PHRENOLOGY 67 

me admonish you, that the period of human life is 
so short, the objects to which it can be directed 
to purpose so few, and those which invite your 
attention so numerous, that a judicious selection 
and limitation of them is indispenable to eminent 
success. 

Men are too liable to be engrossed by the no- 
velties of the day, and to be led away by those 
subjects which serve only to amuse, not to in- 
struct the mind. How many great minds, capa- 
ble of the highest effort, have dissipated their 
powers by the multiplicity and uncertainty of their 
pursuits ? Do not weaken your minds by feebly 
grasping at every thing ; and while you limit the 
objects of your attention, be sure that those you 
aim at are within the reach of attainment ; and 
that they are such, too, as will render you useful, 
as well as distinguished, members of society. 

Let me not be understood to discountenance, or 
undervalue, that sublime science, the philosophy 
of the human mind. Nothing will contribute 
more to give you a commanding influence, and to 
render circumstances subservient to your purpose, 
than a deep knowledge of the human character. 
Some men of great talents, and of high scientific 
attainments, have utterly failed of success in prac- 
tical life, from an ignorance of men, and an ina- 
bility to adapt their knowledge to the circum- 
stances in which they have been placed. But 
this knowledge is not to be sought in the study of 
man's physical organization, any more than the 
value or brilliancy of a jewel in the form of the 
box which contains it. There is no short way to 
the philosophy of the human mind. Man must 



68 AN EXAMINATION 

be studied, as he ever has been, and that too, with 
the most eminent success, by close and accurate 
observation, and an actual mingling with mankind 
in the various stages and conditions of life. In 
the language of Napoleon, that great practical 
philosopher, whose knowledge of human nature 
was one of his most wonderful attainments, I 
would say — " Nature does not reveal her secrets 
by external forms. She hides and does not ex- 
pose her secrets. To pretend to seize or pene- 
trate human character by so slight an index," (as 
the developments of the head) " is the part of a 
dupe or an imposter. The only way of knowing 
our fellow-creatures, is to see them, to haunt them, 
to submit them to proof. We must study them 
long if we wish not to be mistaken ; we must 
judge of them by their actions. This is my opin- 
ion, and this has long been my guide." 

Beware, gentlemen, of that delusive science, 
which pretends to detect and mark the countless 
varieties of human character, and gauge and mea- 
sure the capacities of the human soul, by a gra- 
duated scale of brass; a science which finds an 
apology for the vices and follies of mankind, in 
the forms bestowed upon them by a good and all- 
wise Creator. 

Let me caution you, also, to distrust its appli- 
cation to yourselves, as well as to others, and not 
to rely on any native endowments, you may there- 
by be induced to attribute to yourselves, for the 
stations you may aspire to in life. What rank 
you shall hold among intellectual men, depends 
on your own exertions. The mind, not less than 
'the body, is susceptible of inconceivable improve- 



OF PHRENOLOGY. 69 

inent from the culture it receives. It is attention 
fixed on proper objects of pursuit; perseverance 
that never wavers from its purpose ; application, 
steady and constant; and not the prominences of 
the cranium, that constitute the most striking dif- 
ferences among men, and which will enable each 
of you, not only to attain, but to deserve the 
highest distinctions and rewards. 



TUB END. 



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